Don’t rush to explosion scenes, STF warns

The Special Task Force (STF) on Jos Crisis, Operation Safe Haven, has warned that it will arrest people who rush to scene of explosions.

Its spokesman, Ikedichi Iweha, gave the warning in an updated statement on the Saturday explosion in Jos yesterday.

The statement said: “Those who rush to such places to loot and thereby hamper rescue operations will be arrested and treated as accomplices.

“Sequel to last Saturday’s explosion, a football viewing centre on Bauchi Road was the presumed target, the Special Task Force (STF) Operation Safe Heaven deems it fit to abreast the people of Plateau State with updates of developments.

“Immediately after the blast occurred at about 2104 hours, STF troops cordoned off the area and began providing assistance to the injured along with other emergency help providers. Fortunately, the viewing centre was not affected.

“However, three persons died, two others injured and are receiving treatment in the hospital.

“One vehicle and a building consisting of a block of shops were destroyed.

“The STF deems it fit to educate the public on immediate actions to be taken in the event of such occurrence.

“The first action is to lie down, owing to the fact that fragments mostly of metal and other chemical components of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which are usually dispersed by the force of the blast cause the most injuries and burns.

“Secondly, leave the scene as soon as possible to a safe area and prevent others from going there. This is to prevent other secondary blasts, which are set off especially when people gather to watch and take pictures of the scene usually resulting in heavy casualty.

“It is equally intended to provide space for security agents and emergency help providers to help victims and to comb the area for other unexploded devices.

“Looters who take advantage of the confusion are by this notice warned to desist from such acts as anyone caught vandalising shops, cars and other properties would be treated as accomplices.

“Additionally, youths who parade themselves as vigilance group members and take advantage of such incidents to block roads, harass motorists and any other form of reprisal attacks on innocent persons, road users and passers by are equally warned to desist.

“The STF views such as a breach of one of its core mandates and will not allow these to persist.

“The task force relies on the provision of prompt information to ensure that no group of terrorists will harm the populace.

“The STF continues to count on the support and cooperation of the people of Plateau State in the fight against terror and extremist groups.”